I haven't seen this posted here, but Marty Friedman did an interview on NPR Weekend Edition back in July about his decision to quit Megadeath and move to Japan to play Jpop. Check out the first Jpop song played (at 1:56). He calls this one of the songs that hooked him on Jpop.

It's eerily similar to what I went through at the same time, albeit on a much, much, much smaller level. I was playing a couple of gigs per week in Detroit with a rock band -- one I liked a lot -- and I'd pack my drums up and head back to the practice space jamming Morning Musume, Mini Moni, Judy And Mary or any number of other Jpop groups on the car stereo. I think I actually beat Marty to doing rock covers of Jpop songs by several years. I kind of wish I knew about Friedman's love of Jpop back then so I could drop his name when people gave me shit about listening to it.

I'm glad Mai and Maria got solo's, it's a good chance to see their current vocal skills. But also for all the new girls, it's a good chance. Each 2 person has a new girl paired with a senpai from a different group which is nice! And of the new girls, a good amount got lucky since it's 2 girls from each group.

I'm excited to see Aarii and Uta perform together! Aarii is starting to resemble Iida Kaori even more (imo). And Uta is so tiny, oh my gosh.

I'm excited for all the pairings actually, although I wish one more C-ute member was involved.

I wonder who will take Hama-chan's place after her group debuts though :) The next KSS ace....

Berryz not being there felt kind of lonely... :( At least we still have Momoko!